The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the rejection of electronic transmission of election results at polling units, by the Senate, in the amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022, is harmful to the nation’s democratic process.
PDP in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Ini Emembong, reminded the lawmakers that as representatives of the people, they must endeavour to mirror the desires and wishes of the people they represent at all times.
“It is common knowledge that the majority of Nigerians all across the 109 senatorial districts desire electoral sanctity which is better guaranteed through the electronic transmission of votes from the polling units.
“We are all witnesses to the widespread practice of altering results before it gets to the collation centre or at the collation centre.
“This electronic transmission would have brought an end to this ignoble practice that has been deployed by politicians to win elections against the wishes of the people expressed through the ballot,” PDP stated.
It added that the rejection is a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation.
The party described this as a sad for electoral democracy in Nigeria.
PDP therefore, called on the National Assembly to immediately reconsider its stand and take steps to pass the amendment approving the electronic transmission of results.
“This is the minimum amendment that can increase faith in the electoral process, without which the apathy will be worse than the last general election, which is greatly unhelpful to democracy,” the party warned.
